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Stop and SearchThe Stephen Lawrence Inquiry recognised that ‘stops’ that did not involve searches were as much a cause of tension between minority ethnic and other vulnerable communities and the police as stops involving searches. As a result Recommendation 61 of the Inquiry Report has been implemented and with effect from 1 April 2005 a record will need to be made by police officers of all stops in addition to stops and searches covered by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. What is the difference between a 'stop' and a 'stop and search'?A 'stop' is where a police officer (or police community support officer) asks someone in a public place to account for themselves, that is to explain their actions, behaviour, presence in an area or possession of anything but does not physically search them. A 'stop and search' is when a police officer physically searches a person, their clothes and anything they are carrying. These searches can only be carried out in accordance with statutory powers. There is no such thing as a 'voluntary' stop or stop and search.Why has this change taken place?If used properly 'stops' and 'stops and searches' can help prevent and detect crime and help make communities safer. The new recording requirement aims to improve how the police use their powers and make them more accountable.What difference will the changes make to me?If the police stop you and ask you to account for yourself, they must give you a written form (this will not apply if an officer has a general conversation with you such as to seek background information or to ask you for or give you directions).What information will the form contain?The form must give the following details:i) Why, when and where you were stopped ii) If you are in a vehicle, the registration number of that vehicle iii) The reason why you were questioned iv) Your ethnic background (you will be asked to define this yourself) v) Any outcome of the stop. Why does a form need to be completed?The form will help safeguard your rights as an individual because it means the police have to give a written reason of why you were stopped, where and by whom (it is not a criminal record). It should help to make police officers think more carefully about stopping people and ensure this is not done on a random or discriminatory basis but in a focused way based on intelligence. If issued with a form you should keep it safe as you may wish to use it should you wish to complain.Why will I be asked my ethnic background?This will help us obtain a true picture of who is being stopped to enable us to deal with any discrimination and improve the way the police use stop and search.Further InformationIf you wish to obtain further information as to your right please refer to the new Stop and Search leaflet issued by the Association of Police Authorities. Alternatively, Durham Police Authority has produced a general guide available as a PDF for you to download:
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